Portret van de jongste zoon van Victor-Charles Mahillon 1897

Auguste Danse made this portrait of Victor-Charles Mahillon's youngest son using graphite on paper. The choice of graphite, a humble material, lends an immediacy to the work. Looking closely, you can see how Danse used delicate lines to capture the boy’s likeness. The subtle gradations create form and volume and bring the portrait to life. This isn't just any drawing; it is a finely rendered portrait, intended to capture not only appearance but also character. While the graphite itself is modest, the artistic skill involved is considerable, highlighting the value placed on draughtsmanship. The work is small and intimate. There is a directness and honesty in the representation that contrasts with the more flamboyant commissioned portraits of the era. It is an engagement between the artist, sitter, and the paper. Ultimately, it's a reminder that materials and making are central to understanding an artwork’s full significance, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.